Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a stimulant that is backed by the risk of causing addiction that is both physical and psychological in scope and can lead to adverse consequences that affect the addict and their loved ones in many ways. Many of the signs and symptoms of cocaine addiction are easy to spot but others may be less recognizable depending on the individual who is abusing the drug as well as other factors. Many addicts go through great lengths to hide their drug addiction while others do not work so hard at covering up the signs of addiction. For those who do not work to hide the symptoms, cocaine addiction can be rather easy to point out.

Physical Signs & Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Physically, the cocaine addict will often lose weight, not eat very much or have long periods of time in which they do not eat. Because cocaine is a stimulant and appetite suppressant, most of the time when a user is under the influence of cocaine he or she will avoid food all together. Sometimes, after prolonged use of cocaine, the food aversions will be minimal so a long time cocaine addict may show fewer signs of this appetite suppression than those who have only recently started using cocaine.

Another common symptoms of cocaine addiction is increased energy that comes in spurts. Most people who abuse cocaine will have an increase in their energy levels while they are under the influence of cocaine but this energy will usually be marked by periods of fatigue or sleep that lasts quite some time as well. Cocaine addiction can lead to very long periods of energy plagued by subsequent long periods of fatigue and tiredness.

Tolerance is another common sign of cocaine addiction that is physical but mostly only noticeable by the user him or herself. Tolerance develops when more and more cocaine is used to produce the same effect. Those who abuse cocaine regularly and become addicted will realize that it takes more cocaine than it used to in order to get high and eventually, the high that they feel will be minimal despite their massive use of the drug. This is a sure signs that addiction has set in.

Psychological Symptoms of Cocaine Addiction

Aside from the physical symptoms of cocaine addiction there are a number of psychological symptoms of addiction that may also become present. Behavioral changes may evolve as the users delves deeper into cocaine abuse and these changes are often easily recognized by those who are not using the drug. Some of the behavioral changes that you can look out for include agitation, irritation, or aggressiveness that occurs while the addict is under the influence of cocaine or when he or she does not have cocaine.

Other psychological symptoms of cocaine addiction include an inability to feel happy without cocaine due to the chemical changes that occur within the brain when cocaine is used. Depression is also common in those who abuse cocaine. Many people who suffer from cocaine addiction also show moderate to severe signs of anxiety that tends to escalate when cocaine is used. Paranoia is also a factor when cocaine addiction comes into play.

Treatment for Cocaine Addiction Symptoms

Most of the symptoms of cocaine addiction will go away when the user stops using cocaine and remains sober for a prolonged period of time. Some of the psychological symptoms of cocaine addiction may remain prevalent for a period of time following treatment simply due to chemical changes in the brain that cause a decrease in serotonin levels. These symptoms are often treated using rewards systems that will provide the patient a renewed sense of happiness even when cocaine is not being used.